If you bought 365 Organic Hot Cocoa at a Whole Foods store in California, you may be eligible for cash from a $650,000 settlement — no receipt needed for most claims.
Why Is There a Lawsuit?
A lawsuit claimed that Whole Foods Market California Inc. and Mrs. Gooch’s Natural Food Markets Inc. used nonfunctional empty space (aka slack-fill) in their:
365 Organic Hot Cocoa Rich Chocolate Flavor Mix
365 Everyday Value Organic Hot Cocoa Rich Chocolate Flavor Mix
That extra air may have made the canisters look fuller than they were — which the lawsuit says misled California consumers.
The companies deny wrongdoing but agreed to settle to resolve the matter.
Who Qualifies?
You’re eligible if you:
Bought one of the above 12 oz hot cocoa canisters
At a Whole Foods Market in California, or online while physically in California
Between November 3, 2017, and March 13, 2025
For personal use (not for resale)
No proof of purchase is required — up to 2 claims per household
If you’re claiming 3 or more, you’ll need to provide receipts.
How Much Can You Get?
| Proof Required? | Max Claims per Household | Estimated Payout |
|---|---|---|
| ✗ No | Up to 2 | ~$2.90–$4.10 each |
| ✓ Yes (with proof) | 3+ | ~$2.90–$4.10 each |
Note: Payments will depend on how many claims are filed. A second payment may be issued if money remains.
What Are Your Options?
| Option | What It Means | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Submit a Claim | Get your payment via check, PayPal, Venmo, Zelle, or prepaid card | October 14, 2025 |
| Opt Out | Keep your right to sue separately | October 14, 2025 |
| Do Nothing | You won’t get paid and will lose the right to sue over these claims | N/A |
| Final Hearing | Court decides whether to approve the settlement | December 3, 2025 |
How to File Your Claim
Deadline to file: October 14, 2025
You can file your claim:
Online: Fastest option
By Mail: Send your form to:
Goodwin Hot Cocoa Settlement
ATTN: Claims Administrator
P.O. Box 25412
Santa Ana, CA 92799
Already received an email notice with a Notice ID and PIN? You may not need to file — just verify or update your info at the settlement site.
